When I was earning my teaching credential, my favorite professor told me something that I’ll never forget. She spoke about how among teachers (and in my opinion, among just about everyone) there is this pressure to be busy and to be seen as someone who always has something going on. She asked us, point blank: how can you be expected to produce, to put out anything of value, if you’re not refreshed and full of good things? Her suggestion was to skip mindless grading and spend weekends and free time reading, seeing movies and enjoying the things that led us to our profession in the first place.
I’ve been thinking about her advice ever since.
Life is good. No, really. It is lovely. Things have reached this really amazing balance point of being insanely busy with things I love, with plenty to look forward to, plus a giant helping of gratitude for all the could-have-been’s this past year. I’m easing into a place where life is feeling pretty good again, as opposed to the hellish pace of the last year.
With that goodness comes a desire to really slow down, and enjoy it. To not be tied to my iPhone and computer 24/7—part of this stems from the fact that much of my work life is online now, and it’s not just a hobby. There have been times in recent weeks where I feel stretched thin, void of any stories to share here. I am not burned out, just feeling like I need to make time to enjoy life in simpler ways. I want to read books and write in a journal and have time to converse with those I love in person, not online.
In the history of Just A Titch, I’ve never taken a break of more than three days, and for quite some time, I posted at least once a day. I love this place so much, and trust me, I’m not going ANYWHERE.
Still, I’ve decided to take the rest of August off. It’s just 6 days, sure. But for a neurotic blogger like me, that’s quite a vacation. While I’m gone, I’ll be developing a vision for what the fall will mean for this blog. I’ll be preparing for other things, like working with my new trainer and getting into some healthy patterns. I’ll be spending time with Andrew. I also forsee quite a few naps and books and other good things that tend to make me feel renewed and refreshed. There’s nothing “bad” going on; just a desire to step back and enjoy some time away.
I’ll be back Wednesday, September 1, with new stories and good things to share with you. I’ll be tweeting a little bit—this isn’t a full digital sabbatical, but just a few days to collect my thoughts and really enjoy life offline.
I wish you the best of weeks, and I’ll see you September 1, lovelies!
Copyright © 2012
Good for you! Its definitely a healthy thing to do
I’m a big fan of blogging breaks, announced or not. (I’m the one never announcing. Ahem.)
Have a great (relaxing! lovely!) break. (xoxo!)
Enjoy!
I love that you are doing this. I think technology has started to reach a maximum velocity in our lives and that it’s normal and natural to take a step back. Have a lovely break!
Blogging breaks are really important sometimes. I think as bloggers, we do end up spending sooo much time online, networking and looking and thinking about new content we forget to get out there and DO things so our blog stays fresh. I know I forget to sometimes and a big part of my blog is my own projects, so if I’m not doing any then I have less content!
I hope the break goes great for you and you come back feeling fresh!
Okay, well we’ll still be here upon return. You know us.
well enjoy
My breaks from blogging usually happen “unplanned and unannounced”, because I just don’t get online to blog…
So good for you that you’re actually making a conscious decision about it!
P.S. I started the book and can’t wait to talk about it
Good for you!! I hope you enjoy your time ‘off’.
Have a good bloggy break!! I hope you come back feeling recharged and refreshed.
Enjoy your blog break. I’m taking a bit of a hiatus as well and going to visit friends. Stepping away from time to time is such a wonderful, refreshing experience. Have a great time and see you in September!
Definitely a good idea to do this sometime! <3
Take longer if you need it, & enjoy! We’ll be here when you’re ready to return to us. <3
I’LL MISS YOU MUFFFIN
I’m not blogging much but I need to take a break from Facebook and other online stuff. I’m a teacher who goes back on Sept. 1st. I need to use the rest of my free time wisely…more reading books, knitting, and writing letters/cards to loved ones.Thanks for another great post.
Have a great time unplugging, I hope you continue to enjoy yourself & do great things.. am sure you will!
Rest up, missy! Already looking forward to checking back on Sept. 1 to see what all you have to share with us.
Tight hugs, much love.
That sounds perfectly sensible and perfectly lovely. But I want to know what you’re reading while you’re gone. Enjoy your time off, lady!
Sounds perfect! I love that you’re mellowing a little on being online all the time
Just do what works & what feels right! Have a great mini-break!
Enjoy the time! And also, I can’t believe next week is 9/1! And that I may not get to see you again even though we will be *so close*. Stupid work!
Enjoy your break!
enjoy your break! I totally feel you on how when your life takes over and you don’t get to check in online as often. I’ve been battling that for a while now.